FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              From Glenn A. Johnson, Mayor

Monday, January 23, 2012                              Cell (509) 432-6894

SWEARING IN FOR NEW PULLMAN FIRE CHIEF

MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2012 AT 9 AM

          PULLMAN—Scott LaVielle (pronounced:  la vee ay), a former Seattle area fire chief who started his career as a volunteer firefighter and rose to fire chief in King County, will be sworn in as Pullman’s new fire chief Monday (Jan 30^th).

          The ceremony, which includes an oath of office, badge pinning and change of command, will take place at 9 am at Pullman Fire Station #1, 620 S. Grand Ave.  The public is invited to attend.

LaVielle attended the City Council meeting Jan. 10, along with his wife, Jennifer, when the council confirmed the appointment by Mayor Glenn Johnson.

          The new chief was with the North Highline Fire District for 29 years, first joining as volunteer and a year later, began his paid career as a firefighter.  He rapidly advanced through the ranks and became a lieutenant six years after becoming a career firefighter.  A year later he became captain and a year after that was named battalion chief and fire marshal.  From there he became battalion chief commander and then fire chief.

The Seattle native holds a number of degrees, including fire command and administration, fire prevention, fire investigation, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in public administration leadership.  He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s four-year program as executive fire officer.

Johnson said in addition to LaVielle’s positive leadership and outstanding character, the new fire chief has been active in the community served by his district.  He is the new president of the Northwest Burn Foundation, which has had a close relationship with the fire service since its inception.  Its goal is to prevent burns and improve the quality of life for burn survivors through programs, education and research.

LaVielle replaces Pat Wilkins who retired in July after serving in the department for 40 years, the last 27 years as chief.

--PFD--